Hood catch



Sept` 25, 1934- R. G. MOORE 1,974,621

HOOD CATCH Filed March 20, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN VEN TOR. EHYMUND L/.MUURL Sept. 25, 1934. R Q MOQRE 1,974,621

HOOD CATCH Filed March 20. 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Illlll'lllllllllllllz INVENToR. RHYMUNU MUUR/i.

BYZZM/ Wm- ATTORNEY sept. 25,` l1934.

R. G. MOORE HOOD CATCH Filed'uarcn 2o, 193:5 :s sheets-sheet 3 Til- 11117.31 /4 IN V EN TOR. HYMUNU [7. MUUHS ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 25, 19,34

UNITED STATES .PATENT OFFICE 1,974,621 Hoon CATCH Raymond G. Moore, Bridgeport, Conn., assignor to The Bassick Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application March 20, 1933, Serial No. 661,651

25 claims. (C1. 2oz-22s) I is to provide a hood catch in which the vhandle may be easily and positively operated, and which at the same time will present a neat and inconspicuous appearance free from unsightly mechanism, and whichlends itself to streamline design harmonizing with other parts of the automobil structure.

A further object isto provide a catch which will cooperate between the ends of the hood and the cowl and radiator frame structures in such manner as to compensate for irregularities and variations in assembly, and for weaving and dis- F tortion, eiectlvely retaining the hood under all conditions. v

' A still further object is to provide a hood catch which will utilize the springiness or inherent resiliency of the metal of the hood side to exert inward holding pressure. Y

With the above and other objects in view embodirnent's of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, and these embodiments will be hereinafter more fully described with reference thereto and the invention will be finally pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a front elevationof one automobile hood and the adjacent cowl and sill structure,and showing the hood catch, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, attached thereto.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and showing the catch in end elevation. Y,

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. I ,and showing the catch in top plan.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional along the line 4-401 Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a rear elevationof the catch, thehan- View, taken dle being shown in its horizontal operative posiz tion. v Fig. 6 is a rear elevation showing the two ex-V treme positions of the handle, the lower position Y corner of an being shown in full lines and the raised position in dot-and-dash lines.

Fig. 'l is a diagrammatic horizontal sectional view of the hood and the adjacent structure of the radiator and cowl and showing in exaggeration the flexing of the hood in the operative position of the catch.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing a modiiied form of keeper.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of one corner of an 65 automobile hood and the adjacent cowl and sill Y' structure, and showing a. hood catch according to a modified form of the invention, attached thereto.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view, taken along 70 the line 10-10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a Ihorizontal sectional view, taken along the line 11`11 of Fig.9, and showing the catch in top plan.

Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view, taken 75 along the line 12-12 of Fig. 9.

' Fig. 13 is a rear elevation of the catch, detached vfrom the hood.

Fig. 14 is a front elevation of one corner of an automobile hood and the adjacent cowl and sill structure, and showing a hood catch, according to another modified form of the invention, attached thereto.

Fig. 1,5 is a vertical sectional view, taken along the line 15--15 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view, taken along the line 16-16 of Fig. 14,.and'showing the catch in top plan; L

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic horizontal sectional view of the hood and the adjacent structure of the radiator and cowl and showing, in exaggeration the flexing of the hood in the operative position of the catch.

Fig. 18 is a front elevation of one corner of an automobile hood and the adjacent cowl and sill automobile hood and the adjacent cowl and sill structure, and showing a hood catch, according 2 normar sponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the hood 10 is adapted to close in the usual manner against the lacings 11-11 provided along the inset marginal edge portions 12-12 of the radiator frame and cowl structures l3-13, and at each end of the hood, and adapted to cooperate with keepers provided on the radiator frame and cowl structures, hood catches according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the invention are mounted.

The hood catch comprises a rectangular mounting plate 14 adapted to be riveted, spot welded or otherwise suitably secured to the inner side of the hood, preferably adjacent one of the lower corners, although if desired it may be at a substantially higher point than that illustrated.

A bearing opening 15 is provided in the plate and has an outwardly turned bearing flange which engages within an opening 16 in the hood, the edge of the flange projecting slightly beyond the outer surface of the hood. Upon the plate 14 a rectangular cover and bearing plate 17 having right angularly bent flanges 18 and 19 at its upper and lower ends is secured by lugs 20 engaged in slots 21 in the plate and bent outwardly into pressed out pockets 22 at the outer sides of said slots 2l. An opening 23 is provided centrally of the plate 17 having an inwardly turned bearing flange in axial alignment with the bearing opening 15.

The handle 24 is provided at its inner end with a fiange 25 and a shaft extension 26, the latter having bearing in the bearing openings 15 and 23 and the flange abutting the end of the flange of the opening l5. The shaft 26 is transversely split as at 27, and has the bent inner end 28 of a coil spring 29 engaged therein between the plates 14 and 17, the outer end 30 of the spring adapted to abut the end of the ange 18 in the tensioned operative position, as indicated in Fig. l. Upon the inner projecting end of the shaft a washer 31 is keyed, being provided for this purpose with segmental spaced openings 32 corresponding to the cross-section of the split shaft end, a cotter pin 33 being engaged in the end of the shaft to retain the washer. A segmental cut-out 34 is provided in the periphery of the washer and is adapted through abutment of its end walls with a lug 35 struck up from the plate 17 to limit the swing of the handle, as indicated in Fig. 6, the full lines showing the lower hood depressing position and the dot-and-dash lines the upper inoperative position.

The handle 24 is bent inwardly at its outer end toward the hood and is provided with a longitudinally bent keeper engaging nose portion 36 projecting beyond the end of the hood in the operative position.

The keeper comprises a base plate 37 and a right angularly bent hook ange 38, having a right angularly walled pocket 39 for engagement of the handle end, the plate being preferably secured at the inner side of the cowl or radiator limit with facility. As shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 1, the handle is swung below the horizontal operative position, the hood being swung outwardly as it is pressed down to clear the keeper. When fully pulled down it is pressed inwardly against the lacings and upon release of the handle the spring 28 which has been tensioned through abutment of its end 29 with the ange 18 presses it upwardly, engaging the handle end 36 with the keeper recess 39, thus retaining the hood closed and exerting a downward pressure thereon.

The fit of the shaft 26 in the bearings 15 and 23 is relatively snug and the outward spacing of the handle end 36 from the plane of the hood is so designed that the handle must be forcibly pressed inwardly to engage the keeper. The ends of the hood being supported against the lacings l1, the inward pressure of the handle causes the hood to be slightly sprung or warped, as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 7, and being held in this position by engagement of the handle end 36 in the keeper the inherent springiness of the sheet metal of the hood exerts an inward pressure upon the hood thus pressing it inwardly firmly against the lacings.

To disengage the catch the handle is pressed downwardly the hood swung outwardly, and the handle then swung to its raised position, indicated in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 6. The stop lug 35 limits the swinging of the handle to the vertical position as shown.

It desired the handle 24 may be formed of springy metal and adapted to be sprung transversely. In this case it will occupy the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 when disengaged and will be pressed inwardly into engagement with the keeper the tension thus set up serving to hold the hood firmly inwardly.

In Fig. I have shown a modied form of handle end and keeper, adapted to both pull the hood downwardly and exert an inward pressure thereon. In this case the handle end 36a is angularly disposed to provide an angularly disposed keeper engaging surface and the recess 39El of the keeper 38 is likewise provided with an angular surface, so that as the handle is pressed upwardly the keeper cams it inwardly, with the result that the hood is pressed both downwardly and inwardly.

In Figs. 9 to 13 I have shown a modified form of the invention in which the operative parts of the catch are all disposed exteriorly of the hood. The catch comprises a circular casing consisting of a circular outer member 42 having a peripheral cylindrical wall 42 flanged inwardly at its base beneath an offset peripheral flange 43a provided on a base member 43, the latter being secured to the outer side of the hood 10 by bolts 44. The member 42 is provided centrally with a bearing opening 45 having an outwardly bent flange, and the base member 43 is provided in axial alignment -With the bearing opening 45 with a bearing opening 46 having an inwardly bent flange disposed in an aperture 47 provided in the hood.

The handle 48 is provided at its inner end with a ange 49 and a shaft extension 50, the latter having bearing in the bearing openings 46 and 47 and the fiange49 abutting the end of the flange of the opening 46. The shaft 50 is transversely split, as at 51, and has the bent inner end 52 of a coil spring 53 engaged therein within the casing provided by the members 42 and 43, the outer end 54 of the spring being hook-shaped and hooked into a hook-shaped retaining bracket 55 spotwelded, or otherwise suitably secured, to the inner surface of the cylindrical casing wall 41.

A plate 56 is also mounted and keyed upon the shaft extension 50 within the casing, and for this purpose is provided with a central aperture 57 having inwardly extending lugs 58-58 engaged in the slit 51, the lugs being clear of a threaded hole`59 in the end of the shaft into which a retaining screw 60 is screwed. A split spring lockwasher 61 is disposed beneath the head of the screw and abuts the end of the ange ofthe opening 47 to thus retain the parts in assembled relation. The plate 56 is provided in its periphery with an arcuate recess 62, concentric to the axis ofthe shaft 50, and in which is engaged a stoplug 63 struck inwardly from the casing base member 43, and whichis adapted upon rotation of the shaft to abut the ends of the recess to limit the throw of the handle.

The handle 48 is bent inwardly at its outer end toward the hood and is provided with a longitudinally bent keeper engaging nose portion 64 projecting beyond the end of the hood in the operative position.

The keeper is the same as that shown in the first embodiment and is engaged by the handle catch end 64 in the same manner. Obviously the keeper according to the modification illustrated in Fig. 8 may be employed, if desired, and also if desired the handle 48 may be transversely springy to pressI the hood inwardly, as shown by the dotand-dash lines in Fig. 3.

The operation is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, the spring 53 Abeing tensioned as the handle is pressed downwardly. Fig. 13 indicates the raised inoperative position of the handle to which position it is limited by engagement of the lower end of the recess 62 with the lug 63. The dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 9 indicate the position to which the handle is pressed in closing the hood and engaging the lcatch portion 64 with the keeper.

In Figs. v14 to 17 I have shown another modification in which the hood catch comprises a rectangular mounting plate 65 adapted to be riveted,`

spot-welded, or otherwise suitably secured to the inner side of the hood. A bearing opening 66 is provided in the plate and has an outwardly turned bearing flange which engages in an opening 67 in the hood l0, the edge of the flange projecting slightly beyond the outer surface of the hood.` Upon the plate 65 a rectangular cover and bearing plate 68 having right angularly bent fianges 69 and 70 at' its upper and lower ends is secured as by staking lugs 71, engaged and enlarged in slots formed in the plate 65. An opening 72 is provided centrally of the plate 68 having an inwardly turned bearing flange in axial alignment with the bearing opening 66.

The handle 73 is provided at its inner end with a flange 74 and a shaft extension 75', thelatter having bearing in the bearing 4openings 66 and 72 and the flange 74 abutting the end of the flange of the opening 66. The shaft extension 75 is transversely split, as at 76, and has the bentv inner end 77 of a coil spring 78 engaged therein between the plates 65 and 68, the outer end 79 of the spring adapted to abut the end of the fiange 69 in the tensioned operative position, as indicated in Fig. 14.

Upon the inner projecting end of the shaft a washer 80 is engaged and a cotter pin 81 is inserted through a hole in the end of the shaft to retain the partsassembled.

The handle 73 is bent inwardly at its outer end and is extended through a slot 82 in the hood to the inner side where it is provided with a longitudinally extending keeper engaging extension 83. The ends of the slot limit the swing of the handle, the latter occupying an intermediate position when hooked with the keeper thereto.

The keeper is mounted upon the inwardly offset portion 12 and for this purpose the portion l2 is provided with an inwardly bent pocket 84, the base 85 of the keeper being secured thereto by rivets 86 and the catch engaging portion 87 extending outwardly from the base and being bent downwardly in substantially parallel and spaced relation thereto. l

In operation the hood is drawn downwardly by downward pressure on the handles 73-73 at each end of the hood. The abutment of the handle with the lower end of the slot 82 causes the downward pressure of the handles to be firmly trans- -mitted to the hood, so that it can be effectually pulled down to its full limit with facility. As shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 1 the handle is swung below the horizontal operative position. When fully pulled down it is pressed -inwardly against the lacing and upon release of the handle the spring 78 which 'hais been tensioned through abutment of its end 79 with the flange 69 presses it upwardly, engaging the catch end 83 with the keeper portion 87, thus retaining the hood closed and exerting downward pressure thereon.

The fit of the shaft 75 in the bearings 66 and 72 is relatively snug and the relation of the keeper portion 87 to the plane of the hood is such that the handle must be forcibly pressed inwardly to engage the catch therewith. The ends of the hood being supported against the lacings 11, the inward pressure of the` handle causes the hood to be slightly sprung or warped, as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 17, and being held in this position by the inherent springiness of the sheet metal of the hood exerts an inward pressure upon the hood thus pressing the, hood ends firmly against the lacings.

To disengage the handle is simply pressed downwardly and thehood swung outwardly, the spring 76 moving the handle to its inoperative position at the upper end of the slot 82.

An inclined keeper such as shown in Fig. 8 may be employed if desired, and also if desired the handle 73 may be transversely springy to press the hood inwardly, as shown by theJdot-and-dash lines in Fig. 3.

In Figs. 18 and 19 I have illustrated a modication in which the lever arm of the handle catch member is interiorly' disposed, a finger engaging handle portion only being exposed at the outside of the hood.

The parts, with the exception of the handle catch member, are substantially the same as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 to 17, so that a complete detail description is not deemed neces- Sary. The handle catch member comprises a lever arm portion 88 having a shaft extension 89 xedly secured at its inner end, the shaft extension being preferably shouldered beneath the lever arm, as at 90. The shaft extension is transversely split as at 91,v and 1s assembled reversely tothat of the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 to 17, being engaged first through the bearing opening 72 and then through the bearing opening 66, the inner end 77 of the spring 78 being engaged in the split 91. The plate 65 is indented inwardly about the bearing opening 66, as at 92, and within the recess thus provided a cotter pin 93 is engaged in the end of the shaft extension to retain the parts assembled.

The lever arm 88 is inclined toward the hood and at its outer end is provided with a keeper engaging catch portion 94, and at the inner end 0f this catch portion the shank portion 95 of the operating handle 96 Fis secured, as by a nut. 97, the shank portion extending through a slot 98 in the hood. The handle if desired may be integrally form'ed with the lever arm. Its design is preferably such that it conceals the slot 98.

The operation is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, so that a detail description is not deemed necessary.

In Figs. 20 and 21 I have shown a still further modification in which the parts, with the exception of the handle and catch lever arm are substantially the same as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 to 17.

The handle 99 is provided atA its inner end with a fiange 100 and a shaft extension 101 which extends through the bearings 66 and 72 and is transversely split, `as at 102 to engage the spring end 77, the inner end of the shaft projects beyond the plate 68 and is provided with fiats 103 and 104 at each side for rigid engagement thereon of the inner end of the lever arm 104, the end of the shaftbeing threaded and having a retaining nut 105 screwed thereon. The lever arm is inclined toward the hood and is provided at its outer end with a keeper engaging catch portion 106. A pair of lugs 107 and 108 are struck up from the plate 68 and are adapted to -abut and limit the swing of the lever arm.

The operation is substantially the same as in the embodiments shown in Figs. 14 to 17, so that a detail description is not deemed necessary.

I have illustrated and described preferred and satisfactory embodiments of the invention, but it Will be obvious that changes may be made therein, within the spirit and scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

1. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engaging with a fixed part, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an exterior finger gripping portion and a keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, the effective movement 0f said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement; said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to move`upwardly to engage said keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on the hood.

2. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for, movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an exterior finger gripping portion and a keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, and spring means adapted to press said catch means upwardly into engagement with said keeper, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the' hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to spring upwardly to engage the keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on the hood.

3. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon' the hood comprising an exteriorI finger 'gripping portion and a keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, said catch means being disposed in a substantially horizontal direction, said keeper engaging portion projecting into substantially vertical alignment with said keeper in the operative position of said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood andto spring upwardly to engage said keeper under spring pressure.

4. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface; comprising a finger gripping portion and a keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, said catch means adapted to' be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly to engage said keeper, under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement, and stop means fixed with rela- .tion to the hood adapted to limit the depressing of the catch means and whereby downward pressure on said catch means is positively transmitted to the hood.

5. Automobilel hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part 4in relation to the end of the hood, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood comprising an exterior finger gripping portion and a keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, said catch means being substantially horizontally disposed and pivotally movable about an axis at substantially right angles to the hood surface, and spring means exerting a pressure on said catch means in keeper engaging direction, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly to engage said keeper under spring pressure, the effective movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement.

6. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprising a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in said mounting fixture and having its axis substantially at right angles to the hoodA surface, and spring means and abutment means cooperating between said shaft and said mounting fixture, said spring means adapted upon swinging movement of said catch means away from said keeper to be tensioned and to exert pressure on said catch means in keeper engaging direction and beyond the point of engagement with the keeper whereby continuous spring pressure is exerted o'n the keeper in the engaged relation of the catch therewith.

7. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed exterlorly upon a fixed part beyond the end of the hood, comprising 4catch means adapted to be mounted exteriorly of the hood comprising a nger gripping portion anda keeper engaging portion carried by said finger grippingportion, and spring means adapted to press said catch means upwardly into engagement with said keeper under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement.

8. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to lthe end of the hood, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured to 'the hood, catch means carried by said mountingfixture comprising a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in said mounting fixture, spring means secured to said shaft, and abutment means carriedby said mounting fixture adapted to tension said spring means upon rotation of said shaft through swinging of said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly to engage said keeper under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement.

9. Automobile hood fastening means forengaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprising a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in said mounting fixture, a coil spring having its inner end secured to said shaft, and abutment means carried by said mounting fixture adapted to abut the other 'end` of said spring to tension. it upon rotation of said shaft through swinging of said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly to engage said keeper under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement.

l0. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end ofathe hpod, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured y.to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprising a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in said mounting fixture, spring means secured toA said shaft, abutment means carried by said mounting fixture adapted to tension said spring means upon' rotation of said shaft through swinging of said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly ,to engage said keeper, and means cooperating between said shaft and said mounting fixture adapted to limit the swing of said catch means under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch'meansi being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a pointlabove said point of engagement.

11. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprising a finger gripping portion, av

keeper engagingv portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in, l said mounting fixture, said shaft having aitransverse slot therein, a coil spring having its inner `end engaged in `said slot, and abutment means carried by said mounting fixture adapted to abut the other end of said spring to tension it upon rotation of said` shaft through swinging of said to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprisingv a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a l mounting shaft at the ,other end having bearing in said mounting fixture, spring means secured to said shaft, and abutment means carried by said mounting fixture adapted to tension said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring upwardly to engage said keeper under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement.

13. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be secured exteriorly to the hood, catch means carried by said mounting fixture comprising a finger gripping portion, a keeper engaging portion at one end, and a mounting shaft at the other end having bearing in said mounting fixture, springpmeans secured to said shaft, and abutment means carried by said mounting fixture adapted to tensionsaid spring upon rotation of said shaft through swinging of said catch means, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood and to spring-upwardlyto engage said keeper under spring pressure, the effective spring movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of' engagement with the keeper longitudinally spaced relation to the point of engagement of said hood with said fixed part, 4catch means comprising a mounting portion substantially rigidly supporte'd by said mounting fixture with respect to a line normally perpendicular to the hood surface, a keeper engagto be mounted 4upon the hood at one end ining portion and an exterior finger engaging porf tion, saidl catch means being movable in generally parallel relation tothe normal plane of the hood, and said engaging portion being normally transversely outwardly of its keeper engaging position, and being further movable by inward pressure in a. transverse direction to the normal plane of the hood to engage said keeper, the engagement of said catch with said keeper adapted through said rigid support of said mounting fixture to warp the hood between its ends, whereby the inherent resiliency of the hood sets up pressure to press its end inwardly against said fixed part.

l5. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper ,disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its inward movement by engagement of its end portions with a fixed part, and said hood being inherently resilient, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be mounted upon the hood at one end in longitudinally spaced relation to vthe point of engagement of said hood with said fixed part, catch means comprising a mounting portion rotatably supported by said mounting fixture for rotation about an axis normally perpendicular to the hood surface and substantially rigidly supported thereby with respect to said axis, a keeper engaging portion and an exterior finger engaging portion, spring means exerting pressure on said catch means in one direction of rotation, said catch means being movable in generally parallel relation to the normal plane of the hood, and said keeper engaging portion being normally transversely outwardly of its keeper engaging position, and being further movable by inward pressure in a transverse direction to the normal plane of the hood to engage said keeper, the engagement of said catch with said keeper adapted through said rigid support of said mounting fixture to warp the hood between its ends, whereby the inherent resiliency of the hood sets up -pressure to press its end inwardly against said one end substantially rigidly supported by said mounting fixture with respect to a line normally perpendicular to the hood surface, a keeper engaging yportion at the other end and an exterior finger engaging portion intermediate said ends, said catch means being movable in generally parallel relation to the normal plane ofthe hood, and said keeper engaging portion being normally transversely outwardly of its keeper engaging position, and being further movable by inward pressure in a transverse direction to the normal plane of the hood to engage said keeper, the engagement of said catch with said keeper adapted through said rigid support of said mounting portion to warp the hood between its ends, whereby the inherent resiliency of the hood sets up pressure to press its end inwardly against said fixed part.

17. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood and having downwardly and inwardly disposed catch engaging surfaces, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward and inward movement by engagement of its end portions with a fixed part, and said hood being inherently resilient, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be mounted upon the hood at one end in longitudinally spaced relation to the point of engagement o f said hood with said fixed part, catch means comprising a mounting portion substantially rigidly supported by said mounting fixture with respect to a line normally perpendicular to the hood surface, a keeper engaging portion and an exterior finger engaging portion, said catch means being movable in generally parallel relation to the normal plane of the hood between a point above and a point below the point of engagement with the keeper and said keeper engaging portion being normally outwardly of its keeper engaging position, and being further movable by inward pressure in a transverse direction to the normal plane of the hood to engage said keeper, the engagement of said catch with said keeper adapted through said rigid support of said mounting fixture to warp the hood between its ends, whereby the inherent resiliency of the hood sets up pressure to press its end inwardly against said fixed part, said catch means adapted to spring upwardly into engagement said keeper to hold the hood downwardly.

18. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon fixed parts in relation to the ends of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its inward movement by engagement of its end portions with fixed parts, and said hood being inherently resilient, comprising a mounting fixture adapted to be mounted upon the hood at each end in longitudinally spaced relation to the point of engagement of the end of said hood with its respective fixed part, catch means comprising a mounting portion substantially rigidly supported by said mounting fixture with respect to a line normally perpendicular to the hood surface, a keeper engaging portion and an exterior finger engaging portion, said catch means being movable in generally parallel relation to the normal plane of the hood and said engaging portion being normally transversely outwardly of its keeper engaging position, and being further movable by inward pressure in a transverse direction to the normal plane of the hood to engage said keeper, the engagement of said catch means with said respective keepers adapted through said rigid support of said mounting fixtures to warp the hood between its ends, whereby the inherent resiliency of the hood sets up pressure to press its ends inwardly against said fixed parts.

19. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an exterior finger gripping portion and an exterior keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, the effective movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to move upwardly to engage said keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on the hood.

20. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to lthe end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part and the hood having an opening in relation to its end, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for -movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an exterioriinger gripping portion an interior keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, and a portion connecting said finger gripping portion and said keeper engaging portion and extending through said opening in the hood, the effective movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper toa point above said point of engagement, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to move upwardly to engage said keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on the hood.

21. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood in underlying relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part, comprising .catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an lexterior finger gripping portion an interior keeper engaging portion carried by said finger gripping portion, the eiective movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to move upwardly to engage said keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on the hood.

22. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a fixed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part. comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axis substan tially at right angles to the hood surface comprising an exterior lever arm constituting a finger gripping portion and an interior keeper engaging portion carried by said lever arm at one end, the effective movement of said catch means being from a point below its Point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagemennt, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to move upwardly to engage said keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure -is exerted on the hood.

23. Automobile hood fastening means for engaging a keeper disposed upon a xed part in relation to the end of the hood, the hood in its closed position being limited in its downward movement by engagement with a fixed part, comprising catch means adapted to be mounted upon the hood for movement about an axisr substan tiaily at right angles to the hood surface comprising an interior lever arm, a finger gripping portion carried thereby adapted to extend to the exterior of the hood, an interiorkeeper engaging portion at one end of said lever arm, the effective movement of said catch means being from a point below its point of engagement with the keeper to a point above said point of engagement, said catch means adapted to be depressed in closing the hood to pull the hood downwardly against said fixed part and to spring upwardly to engage the keeper whereby a continuous downward pressure is exerted on .the hood.

24. In a fastening arrangement for a sheet metal auto hood adapted to engage an abutment wherein the hood is to be maintained in intimate engagement with said abutment and is secured at one portion thereof, said arrangement comprising means carried by said hood adapted to have cooperative engagement with said abutment and including means causing said hood to be bowed or distorted between its secured portion and said first named means whereby the engaging portion oi' said hood is urged to intimate seating against said abutment.

25. In a fastening arrangement for a sheet metal auto hood having transverse resiliency adapted to engage a plurality of abutments, said abutmentsrhaving keeper portions, said arrangement comprising means carried by said hood in proximity to said keeper portions and adapted to cooperate therewith and including means whereby cooperative engagement with said keeper portions will yieldably cause said hood to bow or be distorted thereby obtaining an intimate engagement of said hood with said abutments.

RAYMOND G. MOORE.

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